Bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation of cystathionine-gamma-lyase as a potential prognosis biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a common malignant tumor with poor prognosis and high mortality worldwide.Although cystathionine-gamma-lyase(CSE)plays an important role in the development of multiple tumors,the clinical implication and potential mechanisms of CSE in HCC development remain elusive.Methods:In our study,the CSE expression in HCC was analyzed in Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)and The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)datasets and further confirmed by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry assays in HCC samples.Furthermore,the associations between CSE expression and HCC malignancy as well as survival were analyzed in GSE14520 and validated in HCC patients.Finally,the biological functions of CSE in HCC cells was assessed by CCK-8,flow cytometry and Western blotting.Results:Lower transcriptional and proteomic CSE expressions were found in HCC tissues in contrast to adjacent normal tissues.Decreased CSE mRNA expression was significantly associated with advanced clinicopathological features and poor outcomes in HCC patients from public database and our cohort.Following univariate and multivariate analyses of GSE14520 data showed that CSE expression was an independent prognostic indicator for the overall survival(OS)and recurrence-free survival(RFS)of HCC patients.In vitro experiments further explained that CSE might trigger HCC cell apoptosis by H2S.Conclusion:In summary,the present study identified the relationship between CSE expression and HCC malignancy as well as OS and RFS,indicating that CSE might be a potential prognostic biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for HCC.

An Initial Perturbation Method for the Multiscale Singular Vector in Global Ensemble Prediction

Ensemble prediction is widely used to represent the uncertainty of single deterministic Numerical Weather Prediction(NWP) caused by errors in initial conditions(ICs). The traditional Singular Vector(SV) initial perturbation method tends only to capture synoptic scale initial uncertainty rather than mesoscale uncertainty in global ensemble prediction. To address this issue, a multiscale SV initial perturbation method based on the China Meteorological Administration Global Ensemble Prediction System(CMA-GEPS) is proposed to quantify multiscale initial uncertainty. The multiscale SV initial perturbation approach entails calculating multiscale SVs at different resolutions with multiple linearized physical processes to capture fast-growing perturbations from mesoscale to synoptic scale in target areas and combining these SVs by using a Gaussian sampling method with amplitude coefficients to generate initial perturbations. Following that, the energy norm,energy spectrum, and structure of multiscale SVs and their impact on GEPS are analyzed based on a batch experiment in different seasons. The results show that the multiscale SV initial perturbations can possess more energy and capture more mesoscale uncertainties than the traditional single-SV method. Meanwhile, multiscale SV initial perturbations can reflect the strongest dynamical instability in target areas. Their performances in global ensemble prediction when compared to single-scale SVs are shown to(i) improve the relationship between the ensemble spread and the root-mean-square error and(ii) provide a better probability forecast skill for atmospheric circulation during the late forecast period and for short-to medium-range precipitation. This study provides scientific evidence and application foundations for the design and development of a multiscale SV initial perturbation method for the GEPS.

Bimetallic ZIFs-derived electrospun carbon nanofiber membrane as bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst for rechargeable zinc-air battery

The recharged zinc-air battery(ZAB) has drawn significant attention owing to increasing requirement for energy conversion and storage devices.Fabricating the efficient bifunctional oxygen catalyst using a convenient strategy is vitally important for the rechargeable ZAB.In this study,the bimetallic ZIFs-containing electrospun(ES) carbon nanofibers membrane with hierarchically porous structure was prepared by coaxial electrospinning and carbonization process,which was expected to be a bifunctional electrocatalyst for ZABs.Owing to the formed dual single-atomic sites of Co-N_(4) and Zn-N_(4),the obtained ES-Co/ZnCNZIFexhibited the preferable performance toward oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) with E1/2of 0.857 V and JLof 5.52 mA cm^(-2),which were more than Pt/C.Meanwhile,it exhibited a marked oxygen evolution reaction(OER) property with overpotential of 462 mV due to the agglomerated metallic Co nanoparticles.Furthermore,the ZAB based on the ES-Co/Zn-CNZIFcarbon nanofibers membranes delivered peak power density of 215 mW cm^(-2),specific capacity of 802.6 mA h g^(-1),and exceptional cycling stability,far larger than Pt/C+RuO_(2)-based ZABs.A solid-state ZAB based on ES-Co/Zn-CNZIFshowed better flexibility and stability with different bending angles.

An Air‑Rechargeable Zn Battery Enabled by Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Cathode

Self-charging power systems collecting energy harvesting technology and batteries are attracting extensive attention.To solve the disadvantages of the traditional integrated system,such as highly dependent on energy supply and complex structure,an airrechargeable Zn battery based on MoS_(2)/PANI cathode is reported.Benefited from the excellent conductivity desolvation shield of PANI,the MoS_(2)/PANI cathode exhibits ultra-high capacity(304.98 mAh g^(−1) in N_(2) and 351.25 mAh g^(−1) in air).In particular,this battery has the ability to collect,convert and store energy simultaneously by an airrechargeable process of the spontaneous redox reaction between the discharged cathode and O2 from air.The air-rechargeable Zn batteries display a high open-circuit voltage(1.15 V),an unforgettable discharge capacity(316.09 mAh g^(−1) and the air-rechargeable depth is 89.99%)and good air-recharging stability(291.22 mAh g^(−1) after 50 air recharging/galvanostatic current discharge cycle).Most importantly,both our quasi-solid zinc ion batteries and batteries modules have excellent performance and practicability.This work will provide a promising research direction for the material design and device assembly of the next-generation self-powered system.

Associations between parental adherence to healthy lifestyles and cognitive performance in offspring:A prospective cohort study in China

Background:Previous studies have reported associations of specific maternal and paternal lifestyle factors with offspring’s cognitive development during early childhood.This study aimed to investigate the prospective associations between overall parental lifestyle and offspring’s cognitive performance during adolescence and young adulthood in China.Methods:We included 2531 adolescents aged 10-15 years at baseline in 2010 from the China Family Panel Studies.A healthy parental lifestyle score(ranged 0-5)was constructed based on the following five modifiable lifestyle factors:Smoking,drinking,exercise,sleep,and diet.Generalized estimating equation models were used to examine the association between baseline parental healthy lifestyle scores and offspring’s fluid and crystallized intelligence in subsequent years(2012,2014,2016,and 2018).Results:Offspring in the top tertile of parental healthy lifestyle scores performed better in overall fluid intelligence(multivariable-adjusted β=0.53,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.29-0.77)and overall crystallized intelligence(multivariable-adjusted β=0.35,95%CI:0.16-0.54)than those in the bottom tertile of parental healthy lifestyle scores.The results were similar after further adjustment for the offspring’s healthy lifestyle scores and persisted across the subgroups of parental socioeconomic status.Additionally,maternal and paternal healthy lifestyle scores were independently associated with better offspring’s cognitive performance,with significant contribution observed for paternal never-smoking,weekly exercise,and diversified diet.When both parents and offspring adhered to a healthier lifestyle,we observed the highest level of the offspring’s overall crystallized intelligence.Conclusions:Our study indicates that parental adherence to a healthier lifestyle is associated with significantly better offspring’s cognitive performance during adolescence and early adulthood,regardless of socioeconomic status.These findings highlight the potential cognitive benefits of promoting healthy lifestyles among parents of adolescents.

A New Free-Standing Aqueous Zinc-Ion Capacitor Based on MnO2–CNTs Cathode and MXene Anode

Restricted by their energy storage mechanism,current energy storage devices have certain drawbacks,such as low power density for batteries and low energy density for supercapacitors.Fortunately,the nearest ion capacitors,such as lithium-ion and sodium-ion capacitors containing battery-type and capacitor-type electrodes,may allow achieving both high energy and power densities.For the inspiration,a new zinc-ion capacitor(ZIC)has been designed and realized by assembling the free-standing manganese dioxide-carbon nanotubes(MnO2-CNTs)battery-type cathode and MXene(Ti3C2Tx)capacitortype anode in an aqueous electrolyte.The ZIC can avoid the insecurity issues that frequently occurred in lithium-ion and sodium-ion capacitors in organic electrolytes.As expected,the ZIC in an aqueous liquid electrolyte exhibits excellent electrochemical performance(based on the total weight of cathode and anode),such as a high specific capacitance of 115.1 F g?1(1 mV s?1),high energy density of 98.6 Wh kg?1(77.5 W kg?1),high power density of 2480.6 W kg?1(29.7 Wh kg?1),and high capacitance retention of^83.6%of its initial capacitance(15,000 cycles).Even in an aqueous gel electrolyte,the ZIC also exhibits excellent performance.This work provides an essential strategy for designing next-generation high-performance energy storage devices.

Inhibitory Effect of 16 Fungicides on Persimmon Anthracnose Pathogen Colletotrichum horii

In this research,the inhibitory effect of 16 fungicides on Colletotrichum horri causing persimmon anthracnose was investigated using mycelial growth method and spore germination method. The results showed that among the 16 tested fungicides,10% of Difenoconazole WG,33. 5% of Copper quinolate SC,25%of Bromothalonil EC,70% of Mancozeb WP,430 g/L of Tebuconazole SC,50% of Prochloraz-manganese chloride and 400 g/L of Flusilazole EC achieved the best inhibitory effect on mycelial growth of C. horri,with the inhibition rate of 100%; 70% of Polyram WG,33. 5% of Copper quinolate SC,25% of Bromothalonil EC,70% of Mancozeb WP,50% of Chlorobromoisocyanuric acid AF,50% of Triram WP and 400 g/L of Flusilazole achieved the best inhibitory effect on spore germination of C. horri,with the germination rate of 0. In conclusion,33. 5% of Copper quinolate SC,25% of Bromothalonil EC,70% of Mancozeb WP and 400 g/L of Flusilazole EC achieved the best inhibitory effect both in mycelial growth and spore germination,which could be used as the preference fungicides for the control of persimmon anthracnose,and 70% of Polyram WG and 50% of Triram WP achieved the secondly best inhibitory effect,which could be used as alternative fungicides. The results of this research could provide scientific evidence for the effective control of persimmon anthracnose,and more optional pesticides for utilization in the production practice of persimmon industry.

A Nonlinear Representation of Model Uncertainty in a Convective-Scale Ensemble Prediction System

How to accurately address model uncertainties with consideration of the rapid nonlinear error growth characteristics in a convection-allowing system is a crucial issue for performing convection-scale ensemble forecasts.In this study,a new nonlinear model perturbation technique for convective-scale ensemble forecasts is developed to consider a nonlinear representation of model errors in the Global and Regional Assimilation and Prediction Enhanced System(GRAPES)Convection-Allowing Ensemble Prediction System(CAEPS).The nonlinear forcing singular vector(NFSV)approach,that is,conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation-forcing(CNOP-F),is applied in this study,to construct a nonlinear model perturbation method for GRAPES-CAEPS.Three experiments are performed:One of them is the CTL experiment,without adding any model perturbation;the other two are NFSV-perturbed experiments,which are perturbed by NFSV with two different groups of constraint radii to test the sensitivity of the perturbation magnitude constraint.Verification results show that the NFSV-perturbed experiments achieve an overall improvement and produce more skillful forecasts compared to the CTL experiment,which indicates that the nonlinear NFSV-perturbed method can be used as an effective model perturbation method for convection-scale ensemble forecasts.Additionally,the NFSV-L experiment with large perturbation constraints generally performs better than the NFSV-S experiment with small perturbation constraints in the verification for upper-air and surface weather variables.But for precipitation verification,the NFSV-S experiment performs better in forecasts for light precipitation,and the NFSV-L experiment performs better in forecasts for heavier precipitation,indicating that for different precipitation events,the perturbation magnitude constraint must be carefully selected.All the findings above lay a foundation for the design of nonlinear model perturbation methods for future CAEPSs.

冠状动脉钙化特征在心血管风险评估中的价值

冠状动脉钙化(CAC)作为亚临床粥样硬化的标记物,可以反映冠状动脉粥样硬化的总体负荷,是对患者进行心血管风险分层和诊疗的重要工具。临床上评估和量化CAC最常用的是Agatston积分,此外,钙化的分布、密度、体积、形态等特征在风险评估及诊疗方面均具有指导意义。本文将从CAC多个特征的临床意义进行总结,为深刻理解CAC在心血管风险评估中的作用提供思路。

The Genome of Artemisia annua Provides Insight into the Evolution of Asteraceae Family and Artemisinin Biosynthesis

Artemisia annua, commonly known as sweet wormwood or Qinghao, is a shrub native to China and has long been used for medicinal purposes. A. annua is now cultivated globally as the only natural source of a potent anti-malarial compound, artemisinin. Here, we report a high-quality draft assembly of the 1.74-gigabase genome of A. annua, which is highly heterozygous, rich in repetitive sequences, and contains 63 226 protein-coding genes, one of the largest numbers among the sequenced plant species. We found that, as one of a few sequenced genomes in the Asteraceae, the A. annua genome contains a large number of genes specific to this large angiosperm clade. Notably, the expansion and functional diversification of genes encoding enzymes involved in terpene biosynthesis are consistent with the evolution of the artemi- sinin biosynthetic pathway. We further revealed by transcriptome profiling that A. annua has evolved the sophisticated transcriptional regulatory networks underlying artemisinin biosynthesis. Based on compre- hensive genomic and transcriptomic analyses we generated transgenic A. annua lines producing high levels of artemisinin, which are now ready for large-scale production and thereby will help meet the chal- lenge of increasing global demand of artemisinin.

包含高通过率纳米级离子通道和高机械强度的MXene电极用于高容量锌离子储能

二维过渡金属碳化物(MXene)具有高度亲水的表面和优异的金属导电性,在电化学储能领域具有竞争力.然而,层状结构的MXene极易自堆叠,因此降低了离子的可通过性和可用的传输路径,从而限制了其电化学性能.为了充分发挥MXene在电化学储能方面的优势,本文通过化学氧化方法将大尺寸MXene刻蚀成具有纳米级离子通道的MXene纳米片,制得的MXene电极在保留了大尺寸MXene纳米片优异机械强度和导电性的同时,可以有效缩短离子传输距离,提高整体电化学活性.在此基础上制造的自愈式MXene基锌离子微型电容器在2 mA cm^(-2)的电流密度下,表现出高面积比电容(532.8 mF cm^(-2))和低自放电率(4.4 mV h^(-1)),在2800μW cm^(-2)的功率密度下,能量密度高达145.1μWh cm^(-2)纳米级离子通道结构为构建高性能电化学储能电极提供了一种新策略,在电化学储能和柔性电子领域具有广阔的应用前景.

Construction of a nano-rectangular Zn-Nd complex with near-infrared luminescent response towards metal ions

One 6-metal Zn-Nd complex[Zn_(2)Nd_(4)L_(2)(OAc)_(10)(OH)_(2)(CH_(3)OH)_(2)](1)with Schiff base ligand bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)ethylene-1,2-phenylenediamine(H_(2)L)was constructed,and it has nanoscale rectangular structure(8×11×28 A).Excited by ligand-centered absorption bands,1 shows NIRemission of Nd^(3+)ion.Interestingly,1 exhibits lanthanide luminescent response towards metal ions,especially to alkali metal ions(Li^(+),Na^(+) and K^(+))at ppm level.

Flexible and highly-sensitive pressure sensor based on controllably oxidized MXene

Conductive Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)MXenes have been widely investigated for the construction of flexible and highly-sensitive pressure sensors.Although the inevitable oxidation of solution-processed MXene has been recognized,the effect of the irreversible oxidation of MXene on its electrical conductivity and sensing properties is yet to be understood.Herein,we construct a highly-sensitive and degradable piezoresistive pressure sensor by coating Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)MXene flakes with different degrees of in situ oxidation onto paper substrates using the dipping-drying method.In situ oxidation can tune the intrinsic resistance and expand the interlayer distance of MXene nanosheets.The partially oxidized MXene-based piezoresistive pressure sensor exhibits a high sensitivity of 28.43 kPa^(-1),which is greater than those of pristine MXene,over-oxidized MXene,and state-of-the-art paper-based pressure sensors.Additionally,these sensors exhibit a short response time of 98.3 ms,good durability over 5000 measurement cycles,and a low force detection limit of 0.8 Pa.Moreover,MXene-based sensing elements are easily degraded and environmentally friendly.The MXene-based pressure sensor shows promise for practical applications in tracking body movements,sports coaching,remote health monitoring,and human–computer interactions.

Construction of a Nano-rectangular Zn(Ⅱ)-Yb(Ⅲ)Complex with Near-Infrared Luminescent Response towards Metallons

of main observation and conclusion One six-metal Zn(Ⅱ)-Yb(Ⅲ)complex[Zn2Yb4L2(OAC).(OH)2(CH3OH)2](1)was constructed from Schiff baseligand bis(3-methoxysalicylidenelethylene-1,2-pherylenediamine(HL4).1 shows a nanoscale rectangular structure with dimensions of approximately 0.8nm×1.1 nm×2.8 nm.Excited by lgand-centered absorption bands,1 shows typical near-infrared emission of Yb^3+ion.Interestingly,1 exhits lanthanideluminescent response towards metal ions,especially to Cd^2+at ppm level.

Construction of an Octanuclear Zn(Ⅱ)-Yb(Ⅲ)Schiff Base Complex for the NIR Luminesce nt Sensing of Nitrofuran Antibiotics

One near-infrared(NIR)luminescent octanuclear Zn(Ⅱ)-Yb(Ⅲ)complex[Zn_(6)Yb_(2)L_(4)(OAc)_(2)(DMF)EtOH](1)was obtained from a new multidentate Schiff base ligand.It exhibits interesting luminescent sensing activity to antibiotics,in particular to nitrofuran antibiotics(NFAs)with high sensitivity due to the inner filter effect.